Rice is a staple food for many people around the world. But growing it needs a lot of nitrogen. Usually, farmers add nitrogen fertilizer to the soil. But what if there's a better way? A recent study found that iron oxides, which are common in soil, can help certain bacteria fix nitrogen naturally. These bacteria, called iron-reducing Deltaproteobacteria, use iron as...
The harvest season in Central Washington is wrapping up, and it's been a good one. Farmers have had the support they needed, and the crops are looking healthy. But looking ahead to 2026, there's a big question mark hanging over the next harvest. The reason? A perfect storm of immigration policies and economic pressures is brewing, and it could leave farmers scramblin...
Fifty years ago, a shocking crime shook the quiet town of Belle Haven in Greenwich, Connecticut. Fifteen-year-old Martha Moxley was found dead under a pine tree in her backyard. She had been brutally attacked with a golf club and a piece of it. Her pants and underwear were pulled down, but there was no sign of sexual assault. This crime was rare in such a wealthy and...
In the world of engineering, Mehdi Mehrabi, Ph. D. , P. E. , has just taken on a big new role. He's now the manager of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) division at McCarthy Engineering Associates Inc. Mehrabi isn't new to the game. He's been a senior mechanical engineer there for a while, bringing a lot of experience and know-how to his new position. Un...
Farm waste is a big deal. It can pollute the environment and harm soil health. But what if we could turn it into something useful? Scientists are looking into ways to make composting better, especially when dealing with waste that has heavy metals in it. One way to do this is by using microbes. These tiny organisms can help break down waste and make it safer. Scient...
Europe's farmers are having a better time planting winter grains this year. The weather has been kinder than in the past two years. This could mean more stable grain areas, even though prices are low. The early part of October was dry. This let farmers plant a lot before the wetter weather came. The rain that's coming should help the crops grow. Soft wheat is Europ...
A big problem is brewing between Mexico and the US. It's all about cattle and a nasty pest called the screwworm. This worm eats flesh and can kill animals. It's been spreading from Central America into Mexico. Now, it's causing tension between the two countries. Mexico's agriculture minister is heading to Washington. He wants to talk about opening the border for Mex...
Soil health is not just good for the planet; it's also good for your wallet. Recent research shows that farmers who adopt soil health practices can save money and even boost their income. This is big news for those who thought improving soil health would only cost more. The study looked at 20 farms in Southcentral Nebraska. It found that farmers who used soil health...
Kids who don't like reading can be a big challenge for parents. It's not just about getting them to read, but also making sure they enjoy it. Reading is super important for kids. It helps them learn better, do well in school, and even understand their feelings. But sometimes, kids resist reading because they feel nervous or find it hard. There are many reasons why k...
In the vast world of tiny things, a single image can tell a big story. A photo of a rice weevil perched on a grain of rice has taken the top spot in the 2025 Nikon Small World contest. This isn't just any photo; it's a close-up that shows the intricate details of a common pest. The photographer, Zhang You from Yunnan, China, managed to capture something special. Anot...